We left the US for two years — here's what surprised us most when we returned

• Matt and Alana Elderbrook spent two years traveling the world before returning to the US.• They noticed changes in America's political climate and eating habits.• They also realized how busy people are in the US.

In the two years that Matt and Alana Elderbrook spent traveling around the world and blogging for Great Big Globe, they encountered other cultures, sampled global cuisine, and learned a lot about themselves.

1. American politics are a hot mess.

Without reliable access to news sources on the road, the Elderbrooks experienced a rude awakening when they were thrust back into the election news cycle.

"It felt like from a political standpoint the US had gotten — it almost felt enraged," Matt told INSIDER. "Each side, left or right, is 100% all the way. It felt like there was no common ground... Witnessing what has taken shape over the course of two years was really kind of shocking."

2. Healthy eating is more mainstream.

When it comes to grass-fed meat and organic produce, "If you're not doing it, you're abnormal, almost," said Matt. "We tried to eat healthy on the road when we could, but coming back it's actually been a lot easier. Before it might have been really expensive to eat that way, and now there's just a lot more options."

3. Americans have fallen into the 'busy trap.'

Settling back into their old group of friends, Matt and Alana have noticed that everyone always seems rushed, and focused more on work than their own enjoyment.

"People brag about how much they work and how busy they are," Alana said. "I hope that in 30 years from now they don't regret it. I was one of those people before and I don't think I ever realized it."